If it is for the occasional local camping trip then I would not be as concerned. If you want to do significant travel then the drivetrain becomes more important.

My personal preference is for a bus with a big engine and overdrive transmission. I held out for a (relatively) low miles 40' bus with an 8.3 Cummins and an MD3060 transmission. I paid $3800 including auction fees. I have seen similar buses at auction sell for $2100-$6500.

Given that, for most of us, the cost of the bus itself is much less than we are going to spend on the conversion it makes sense to start with the best foundation we can.

To be fair, Brokedown traveled the country successfully in a T444e/AT545 equipped bus. Several others have as well. I just don't have the patience.

If someone had given me the option of a free T444/AT545 bus for free or spending $3800 on a bus with my prefered drivetrain I would stick with the 8.3/MD3060.

If it is for the occasional local camping trip then I would not be as concerned. If you want to do significant travel then the drivetrain becomes more important.

My personal preference is for a bus with a big engine and overdrive transmission. I held out for a (relatively) low miles 40' bus with an 8.3 Cummins and an MD3060 transmission. I paid $3800 including auction fees. I have seen similar buses at auction sell for $2100-$6500.

Given that, for most of us, the cost of the bus itself is much less than we are going to spend on the conversion it makes sense to start with the best foundation we can.

To be fair, Brokedown traveled the country successfully in a T444e/AT545 equipped bus. Several others have as well. I just don't have the patience.

If someone had given me the option of a free T444/AT545 bus for free or spending $3800 on a bus with my prefered drivetrain I would stick with the 8.3/MD3060.

Manual transmissions are falling out of favor because it's another skill drivers would need to have for no realized benefit. An automatic can last forever in a typical neighborhood route bus. They went from being very common in the 80s to almost non-existent now.

It's easy to tear up clutches/trannies if you don't know how to drive them. I'm sure maintenance costs are a factor in why schools don't usually have them. Plus everyone can drive an auto, so no extra training is needed.

Well, I think I found what I had been looking for... 1998 12 window bus with the DT466E and a Spicer 5-speed manual transmission. I have read great things online about the Spicer transmissions, although they seem hard to find now.

Besides the obvious running condition and maintenance type questions, any thoughts on this particular setup?

Well, I think I found what I had been looking for... 1998 12 window bus with the DT466E and a Spicer 5-speed manual transmission. I have read great things online about the Spicer transmissions, although they seem hard to find now.

Besides the obvious running condition and maintenance type questions, any thoughts on this particular setup?